An alumna of Clarion West Writer’s Workshop for science fiction and fantasy, I’ve written for markets like The New York Times and Time Out New York. Currently, I write about sci-fi for Blastr. I also edit the humor competition for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and here at Forbes.

Fashion's Biggest Trend in 2013-2015 (as Predicted by IBM)? Steampunk

Steampunk, a celebration of Victorian fashion and technology, started off as a subgenre of science fiction writing and has evolved into a fashion movement for people who like corsetry, top hats, and pocket watches. (And who doesn’t?) It’s poised to break through into a full-fledged fashion trend in 2013. But I’m not just saying it because I like it. Actually, I’m quoting…IBM, which calls steampunk a “New Retail Trend in the Making.”

According to an IBM press release, “’Steampunk,’ a sub-genre inspired by the clothing, technology and social mores of Victorian society, will be a major trend to bubble up, and take hold, of the retail industry. Major fashion labels, accessories providers and jewelry makers are expected to integrate a steampunk aesthetic into their designs in the coming year…

“During the next two years, [emphasis mine] IBM predicts that steampunk will shift from low production, high cost “craft” manufacturing to mass production.”

So how did IBM eschew business machines to become a player in the world of fashion trend forecasting? It didn’t. IBM has made this prediction “[b]ased on an analysis of more than a half million public posts on message boards, blogs, social media sites and news sources.” This project–one which tracks online data–is part of IBM’s social sentiment index that reveals public opinion and trends.

Now thanks to IBM, we can reveal in steampunk tidbits such as these:

- 63% of people who initiate conversations about steampunk fashion are younger than 30.

- 33% of conversations about steampunk fashion are found on gaming sites. [Note: I assume this is in part to games like Dishonored and the upcoming Bioshock Infinite.]

- The social network for steampunk enthusiasts is Twitter, which has six times more steampunk chat than Facebook.

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Thank you Elizabeth, when someone reposted this in one of the groups, those two words caused me to panic a bit. Please don’t “McDonald” such a beautiful art movement corporate America and Hollywood. Please.

Nathan Fillion isn’t just wearing a Steampunk arm in the accompanying photo from Castle. He is also wearing a leather vest made by Ms. Nicole Fullerton of Pendragon Costumes. A small amount of credit is due to this amazing craftsperson as well as Mr. Willeford.

Love the picture of Nathan Fillian. It’s from an episode of “Castle” called “Punk’d”. In addition to the hand crafted metal arm, the handmade leather vest he’s wearing was done by a company called Pendragon Costumes (aka Mad Girl) – all their leather wear is sewn personally by the owner, Nicole. THAT’s the kind of creativity I love about SteamPunk!

One of the driving factors in Steampunk is the DIY, Craft, and Artist Support in the community. Mass Production of items ruins the point of the movement. Upcycle, recycled and repurposed are the basics of the steampunk community, not sweat shops over seas, not brand-names.

I make all of my items by hand. From start to finish. Support your Local Artists and Craftsmen. Don’t buy into the mass-produced, dime-a-dozen, cheap, 1000% markup at brand-name stores.

I am so not impressed. look at the google trends for the term steampunk. or other google analytics tool with the term. “how to steampunk” currently has 1.2 million global monthly hits. which trends approximately equally upwards like the general steampunk term since 2007. british televison has incorporated it into the latest doctor who episodes. CSI NY has steampunk victims. the spike in steampunk books has spiked… disney is working on steampunk films, there’s an uptick in steampunk games on mobile phones AND desktops, it’s all over the place, including the fashion industry. and this is the brave prediction IBM is coming up with? stuff that the movie studios have already figured out? hey, great job! do you think cell phones are going to catch on to? :-P I hate the stupid blind hype of technology. maybe IBM will go on a limb and claim that 3D printers might have a market.. now that china and staples is getting in on it. :-P “news”… C’mon Forbes, I expect more from you. And I should, shouldn’t I?